FAIRFIELD, Conn. — University of Connecticut senior John Flaherty shared the first-round lead at the Connecticut Open, then finished two back of the winner Cody Paladino on Wednesday at The Patterson Club.

Flaherty bounced back from a second-round 76 to post 67 in the final round and come within two shots of forcing a playoff.

“I hit the ball great today, and made a few good putts out there,” Flaherty told the Connecticut State Golf Association. “When I made the turn at three under-par, I was thinking I had a chance if I could get it going on the back nine. In my opening round, I shot 30 on the back nine, so I knew I could make birdies on that side.”

There was a two-shot swing at the 17th hole as Paladino, a former Baylor University golfer turned pro, made birdie while Flaherty made bogey.

Marshall University golfer Clark Robinson had an impressive showing, as well, finishing four shots back in a tie for fourth place.